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Expedition Info

Expedition Information

In collaboration with Untamed Expeditions, Emerald Expedition, Snake Patrol Suriname and the Mulokot Foundation, this expedition marks the first organized a 12 day herpetological trip conducted in partnership with Wayana communities in the remote interior of Suriname. The initiative aims to explore and document the rich diversity of amphibians and reptiles inhabiting this largely understudied region. Any findings we make will contribute to a better scientific understanding of the local herpetofauna and support future conservation planning. By working together, the project seeks to combine scientific research with traditional ecological knowledge, strengthen local engagement, and build long-term partnerships for biodiversity monitoring and conservation.

Date next Expeditions: 11 - 22 January 2027

Price: 3,450 Euro/US$4,000

Expedition Info

Our Expedition leaders

Fenne van Esseveldt

is a key figure in wildlife conservation and education in Suriname, primarily known for her leadership in protecting the country’s diverse snake population and educating the public to foster a safer environment for both humans and reptiles.

Snake Patrol Suriname (SPS)

Fenne is the Co-founder and Chairperson of the Snake Patrol Suriname. The organization was born out of a need to address the high frequency of human-snake encounters in Paramaribo and surrounding areas.

She leads a team of volunteers who respond to “snake calls.” Instead of the animals being killed out of fear, Fenne and her team safely capture and relocate them to secure habitats away from residential areas. Her primary mission is a “mind-switch”—changing the local perception of snakes from “scary pests” to essential components of the ecosystem. She conducts workshops, school presentations, and training sessions to teach people how to identify venomous vs. non-venomous species. She helped develop the Snake Patrol Suriname app, which provides medical information on snake bites and tools for identifying species found in the region.

Matthew Wallace

is an accomplished herpetologist and wildlife guide whose work has become central to the exploration and conservation of Suriname’s reptiles and amphibians. Following his move to the country in 2022, he has transitioned from academic research to leading high-stakes expeditions into South America’s most remote ecosystems.

Professional Background

Matthew’s career is defined by a shift from the academic study of herpetofauna to the front lines of wildlife tourism and field education.

Before arriving in Suriname, Matthew worked as a herpetologist in the jungles of Mexico. This period was pivotal, as he spent his time guiding students and researchers, discovering a passion for wildlife education that would later define his professional brand.

Since relocating (2022), Matthew has immersed himself in the Guiana Shield. He has spent years documenting rare species and navigating the complex logistics of the Surinamese interior.

His expertise is frequently sought after by international film crews. He has collaborated with renowned explorer Steve Backshall (notably for Deadly 60) and has provided safety and biological expertise for several Dutch television productions, including Steken en Prikken.

Dimitri Ouboter

is an ecologist and herpetologist dedicated to understanding the intricate balance between human activity and the natural world. With an MSc in Ecology and Evolution from the University of Amsterdam, Dimitri serves as a lead researcher for NeoWild and a curator for the National Zoological Collection of Suriname.

Specialized in the study of amphibians, reptiles, and neotropical mammals, Dimitri’s work combines high-tech monitoring with old-school field exploration. From publishing peer-reviewed research on ecotourism impacts to managing Suriname’s national biodiversity databases, he is committed to ensuring that conservation efforts are rooted in solid science. When he isn’t in the lab, Dimitri can be found deep in the rainforest, fueled by a lifelong passion for exploring the landscapes and wildlife of his home country.

PROGRAM

Day by Day Program

Location

Apetina, and surrounding area, is the perfect frontline. Its surrounding primary forests are a "black hole" on the scientific map—a region of immense, undocumented biodiversity. By basing our expeditions here, we ensure that our research is rooted in indigenous leadership and that every discovery directly benefits the community that protects these lands.

Real Expedition

The rivers of Suriname's interior are filled with rapids (sulas). Navigating them requires knowledge of the rocks and water levels for safety and access to untouched areas. The Wayana will lead you far beyond the map’s edge, opening the gates to a world where ancient ancestral wisdom and the living forest are one. Guided by their expert trackers, you will learn to see the "invisible" life of the jungle—from rare, cryptic reptiles to the sacred rhythms of the Tapanahony River

Partners

Our Partners of the Herping Expedition

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Koosstraat #3, Paramaribo , Suriname

info@guardianexpeditions.com

( +597 ) 434790